Participant observation techniques were used to observe and analyze a system of "informal education" practiced in a state-supported middle school of 260 students in South Yorkshire, England. "Informal education" was the term used to designate the general nature of the educational methodology of the school. The study focused principally on the underlying patterns of school organization, the implementing of philosophical views regarding education, and inservice staff training. The research sought to identify factors affecting the success of informal education that might be applied in comparable American situations. Among these factors are limits on the size of the total school population, to allow all the teachers to relate to all of the students, and the definition of segments of the school day in terms of broad periods to allow time for teachers and students to work together. Other factors that seemed critical to the school's success are rituals of the school day, which allow for a balance among activities, and continual staff development. (Author/MLF)